It isn’t often a new rimfire comes along. It’s been something like decades and no rimfire ever manages to unseat the long-running favorite, 22 LR. But it’s possible Winchester managed to do something different this time around with the introduction of the 21 Sharp. Of course, you can’t check out a new cartridge without a gun, and that’s where the Savage Mark II Minimalist comes in. Let’s see how it stacks up to the admittedly large number of 22 LRs around here.
The Savage Mark II Minimalist
Savage is well known for their bolt-action rifles, which come in a variety of calibers. Sure, they’ve done AR-platform rifles, and recently they also broke back into the handgun market. But if you’re like me, when you think Savage, you think bolts. The Savage Mark II Minimalist is one of their top-selling bolt-action rifles, and they wisely chose to make it one of the offerings chambered in 21 Sharp.
Features and Specifications of The Rifle
The Savage Mark II Minimalist is a bolt-action rifle chambered in 21 Sharp (well, this one is, it’s also available in 22 LR). It features an 18-inch carbon steel barrel that’s topped by a thread protector, yes, this gun is suppressor-ready, and boasts the gun maker’s popular AccuTrigger. The stock on this particular model is made by Boyd’s, a company well known for producing quality, aesthetic designs. This one’s the Minimalist laminate stock in green, and it’s made for ergonomic perfection. At the butt end, the stock is designed to facilitate a solid cheek weld but narrows at the lower portion to give the shooter a better grip. As for the forend, it’s angled and textured for comfort and a firm hold during live fire. Just because it’s a rimfire doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have a well-made stock.
This model features a right-handed bolt, which is currently what the gun is made with. The bolt has a short handle and a round knob with a black finish. Interestingly, unlike many rimfires that have tube magazines, this one’s detachable box mag-fed. Granted, it’s a tiny box mag, but it still counts. Capacity is 10 rounds, which is more than enough for squirrels and other pests.
A pair of Weaver rail sections comes standard on this rifle. Just be aware that there are zero options for adjusting the distance between attachment points. Even so, I had no issues adding an admittedly large optic. I’d like to see some iron sight options for it, but also understand why Savage went with Weaver bases.
Other features include a narrow strip of buttstock padding, a pair of fixed sling attachment points, and a thumb safety. The rifle is button-barreled and the trigger is user-adjustable.
How it Shoots
I’m going to preface this by pointing out that this is a rifle with an MSRP only a hair over $400. On dealer shelves, it’s sub-400. Does the Savage Mark II Minimalist in 21 Sharp perform within its price point? Yes. Does it outperform it? When comparing it to the many 22 LR rifles I’ve run throughout the years, I’d have to say it does.
There’s not a lot of ammo currently available for this gun, thanks to how new 21 Sharp is. You can get loads ranging from 25 grain to 42 grain from Winchester, and for now, that’s it. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. It is, but I’m looking forward to the day when more manufacturers can produce it. Variety is a good thing for ammo.
To my thinking, this is either a varmint/pest rifle or a gun for my four-year-old to learn on (don’t fuss, I say that about all rimfires). The trigger on the gun is, as expected, the AccuTrigger, and delivers a clean break. I found no reason to adjust it, and I’m usually rather picky over triggers.
Fit and Precision
Shouldering the rifle is smooth, although the stock’s design, combined with the apparent length of pull, means I’m up a bit tighter on the gun than I’d prefer. That’s actually good if you consider this as a rifle also meant for youth shooters, because it means it won’t be drastically oversized for them. Getting a cheek weld is simple, and the shape of the forend fits my hand well.
For accuracy, the gun does just fine. Okay, it does better than okay, because sub-MOA is basically standard (shooting from a rest, not off hand). You will have zero issues shooting squirrels, rabbits, prairie dogs, raccoons, whatever the issue, it’ll go down. As long as you bring the ability, 21 Sharp will bring the wound cavity. I’d say to keep it under 200 yards, with 100 yards being the sweet spot.
Accurate but Stiff
21 Sharp has some ballistic advantages over 22 LR, but the most important is its ability to fire jacketed bullets. While it might not seem like a big deal if you’re just plinking, it does make a significant difference when you’re shooting pests and varmints off your property. The ability to drop a rabbit with a Winchester Varmint 21 Sharp 34 grain JHP is phenomenal.
Time to get to the downside. The bolt on the Savage Mark II Minimalist isn’t ideal. Even with use, it remains stiff and jerky. Does it function reliably? Yes, but is it smooth to operate? No. It took some doing to get my youngest to run it, and he has to manipulate it rather roughly. That one issue doesn’t ruin the entire gun, though, let alone the cool chambering.
21 Sharp Vs 22 LR
ChatGPT said:
If your purpose in life is to plink with cheap lead bullets, shooting Coke cans and the occasional watermelon, then 22 LR is fine. But if you want more, if you want some ballistic edge that translates to superior varmint killing, you want the 21 Sharp. I don’t believe the 21 Sharp was created to unseat 22 LR, heaven knows that probably isn’t even possible, but it was made to open up new possibilities for rimfire fans. And it does it well. If you’d like more to life than lead bullets and shooting empty cans, go for the 21 Sharp. It won’t disappoint.
READ MORE HERE: Bergara BMR-X Steel Review! Precision 22LR Plinking
About the Gun
The Savage Mark II Minimalist in 21 Sharp is a great entry-level gun and also works well for sniping the odd varmint off your property. The green Boyd’s stock is eye-catching and fits me well while somehow also managing to be a decent fit for my four-year-old (sure, it’s a little big, but it is manageable). I’d recommend this rifle to anyone interested in a solid-performing rimfire for pest control, or just for fun. It’s well worth adding to your collection.
Take a closer look at the Savage Mark II Minimalist here.
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